Eccentric-ring combination lock

ABSTRACT

A combination lock having an outer operating dial connected through a dial shaft with an internal coding mechanism comprising a number of rotatable eccentric code rings placed successively radially about each other in the same plane and connected with the dial shaft. Rotation of the dial according to a coded combination effects rotation of the rings to positions in which the widest portions are in radial alignment. The eccentricity of the mechanism is then maximum with the outer ring at a maximum distance from the shaft. At this point contact is made with a separate unlocking or output mechanism to trigger it into locking connection with the dial shaft for unlocking operation by the dial.

United States Patent 36,908 11/1862 MacNeale et a1 Inventor Roy A. Zangrando Clifton, NJ. Appl. No. 70,806 Filed Sept. 9, 1970 Patented Dec. 21, 1971 Assignee The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army Field of Search 70/133, 138, 156, 286, 302, 303 R, 320, 324, 289

References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS Primary Examiner-Albert G. Craig, .lr. Att0rneys-Harry M. Saragovitz, Edward J. Kelly, Herbert Berl and Sheldon Kanars ABSTRACT: A combination lock having an outer operating dial connected through a dial shaft with an internal coding mechanism comprising a number of rotatable eccentric code rings placed successively radially about each other in the same plane and connected with the dial shaft. Rotation of the dial according to a coded combination effects rotation of the rings to positions in which the widest portions are in radial alignment. The eccentricity of the mechanism is then maximum with the outer ring at a maximum distance from the shaft. At this point contact is made with a separate unlocking or output mechanism to trigger it into locking connection with the dial shaft for unlocking operation by the dial,

FATENTEU DECZI I971 3 162 355;

SHEET 1 or Q 18 INVENTOR,

ROY A. ZANGRANDO BY-' 1? WIJW 59 1 14 1. WWW 'MM Maw ATTORNEY MTEMTED UEIZZY 1911 3,628,355

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(2H,. m WM yam MM ATTO R N ELY PATENTED mm 1971 3628355 SHEET 0F a INVENTOR, ROY A ZANGRANDO BY: ,4/ main/M ECCENTRIC RING COMBINATION LOCK The invention described herein may be manufactured, used and licensed by or for the Government for governmental purposes without the payment to me of any royalty thereon.

The present invention relates to combination or dial-type locks, and more particularly to a combination or dial-type lock having a coding mechanism of the eccentric-ring type.

In the past, combination-type locks utilized coding mechanisms that were in contact with the lock opening mechanism, giving the lock a certain feel such that an experienced manipulator could pick" the look. This problem has been solved by various prior art devices, all of which introduce additional mechanisms which impair the smooth operation of the dial, give intermittent contact, or require additional functions to be preformed by the operator. The additional mechanisms also increase the depth of the lock, making it impractical for use on shallow structures or areas, such as doors and panels.

The combination lock of the present invention solves these problems by providing a coding mechanism utilizing coding rings which remain free of the lock opening or output mechanisms at all times until the correct combination is dialed, without the need for additional devices and having a minimal depth for the lock, which remains constant with changes in the number of rings employed.

The coding mechanism is comprised, basically, ofa number of eccentric code rings placed successively about each other in the same plane, each ring being able to rotate freely about the next inner ring. By rotation of a dial shaft according to a dial combination, the rings are oriented so that the widest portions thereof are aligned and the eccentricity of the mechanism is a maximum. The mechanism which releases the lock is triggered at that point. The unlocking mechanism thus remains free of the rings when they are arranged other than in the above-described manner.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention, to provide a combination-type lock having coding elements which remain free of the lock-opening or unlocking mechanism at all times until the correct combination is dialed.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a relatively thin combination-type lock that can be utilized in shallow areas.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combination lock of the eccentric-ring type having improved and simplified internal coding and unlocking mechanisms.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the inven tion, a combination lock of the eccentric-ring type is provided with a flat relatively thin or shallow casing or housing adapted for mounting in shallow areas such as doors and panels. A rotary plate mounted in and extending diametrically across the interior of the casing carries the coding mechanism on one side and the unlocking or output mechanism on the other. An operating or dial shaft extends from front to rear substantially centrally of and through the casing and the plate, and is provided with a combination dial on the front side of the casing.

As the inner element of the series of eccentric coding rings, and in the plane thereof, is an eccentric center disc carried by and secured to the shaft for moving the aligned rings radially outward a short distance to trip the unlocking mechanism when after setting the last ring of the combination, the dial is turned to zero.

A trigger pin carried by an annular outer ring in which the eccentric ring series rotates and which moves therewith, extends through a slot in the rotary plate to contact and trip a trigger on the opposite side as part of the unlocking mechanism. The unlocking mechanism then operates to unlock the rotary plate from the casing ans to lock the coding mechanism and to lock the plate to the shaft and dial. The latter may then be turned to rotate the plate and a lockoperating pin carried thereby for coupling the lock output to an external movable door bolt or other locking device.

Movement of the dial in the opposite direction turns the plate and pin to reset the external locking device and reset the unlocking mechanism. Further turning of the dial scrambles the alignment of the rings and the mechanism is relocked.

The invention, along with the foregoing and other objects, will further be understood from the: following description, when considered with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic plan views of the coding mechanism with the eccentric ring elements thereof respectively in the aligned or unlocking configuration and in the scrambled or locked configuration,

FIG. 3 is a rear view, in elevation, of an eccentric combination lock embodying the invention, with a cover plate removed to show the coding mechanism and associated elements,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view, in elevation, of the lock shown in FIG. 3, taken on the section line 4-4 of FIG. 3, and showing an operating dial and shaft and further details of construction of the lock in accordance with the invention,

FIG. 5 is a front view in elevation, of the unlocking or output mechanism for the lock of FIGS. 3 and 4, showing further details and the operational relation of the elements thereof in accordance with the invention,

FIGS. 6 and 7 are, respectively plan and side views of the spacing and combination change elements for the eccentric ring elements of the coding mechanism, and

FIGS. 8 and 9 are fragmentary sectional views, taken on section lines 8--8 and 9-9 of FIG. 6, showing further details of construction thereof in accordance with the invention.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, and referring particularly to FIGS. 1,2,3, and 4, the combination lock comprises a movable circular mounting and locking plate 14 on the forward side of which is mounted an unlocking mechanism A and on the rear side of which is mounted a coding mechanism B, as shown more clearly in outline in FIGS. 1 and 2. Both mechanisms are thus carried by and attached to the same plate element.

The coding mechanism B contains a plurality of eccentric coding or code rings 12 encircling a rotary dial or operating shaft 11 and an eccentric center disc 38 attached to the shaft and carrying a short radially extending pawl 15. A combination or operating dial 10 is attached to the shaft. The individual eccentric code rings are placed successively about each other, radially outwardly from and rotatable on center disc 38 in the same plane. Each of the rings 12 carry a similar radially extending pawl 15 protruding from the plane of the code rings. Fixed on each code ring at. the radially inner edge thereof is a pawl stop 16, in the same plane as the pawls 15, on which the pawl 15 of the next inner ring 12 catches to transmit rotary motion as the shaft 11 is turned by the dial 10 in setting up the combination for unlocking.

While five code rings are shown as an example, any number may be used depending upon the degree of security required. The rings are all rotatable one about the other and the innermost is rotatable about the center disc 38 which is fixed by the dial shaft 11 position or setting. All are seated on the upper or rear side of the mounting plate 14 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Between the eccentric code rings 12 and between the innermost ring and the eccentric center disc 38 are thin annular spacer rigs I3 which prevent any single ring from rotating, after it is set, due to frictional contact with the next adjacent inner ring. These spacer rings each have a depending tab 21 which rides in a common radial guide groove 22 in the support plate 14 to prevent it from rotating. Surrounding the entire coding ring assembly is a thin outer annular ring 17 having a depending trigger pin 18 extending through the radial guide groove 22 and beyond the plate 14 as a triggering element for the unlocking mechanism A on the opposite or forward side of the plate. The outer ring is prevented from rotating by the pin 13, but is free to move radially and pivots laterally about the pin. Thus it has limited movement to follow changes in the relative eccentricity adjustments of the coding rings as they are returned to set the combination. When the combination has been set up and the coding rings are thereby set in proper orientation for unlocking. with the widest portions all aligned radially with the trigger pin for maximum eccentricity in that direction, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer annular ring 17 is moved to bring the trigger pin 18 adjacent to a trigger element 19 of the unlocking mechanism A on the opposite side of the movable mounting plate 14. Final rotation of the dial 10 to zero, or the. unlocking position, also rotates the eccentric center disc 38 into line with the rings, that is, the same eccentric orientation, thereby moving the entire coding ring assembly and the pin 18 to the unlocking position and trigger element 19, as will further be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lock is provided with a relatively thin flat cylindrical housing or casing 36, adapted for fitting into shallow areas such as doors and panels, open on the rear side and fitted with a detachable cover plate 37. The operating or control shaft 11 extends through and rotates in the front wall of the casing 36 as indicated. The movable locking and mounting plate 14 fits the interior of the casing 36 and is seated along its peripheral edge on an annular ledge or shoulder 44 in the circular casing wall. It will be seen that the plate carries the coding mechanism B on its rear side and the unlocking mechanism A on its forward side in a close, compact structure of minimum depth or thickness adapted for a thin casing or housing. Increasing the number of coding rings 12, in this construction, will not increase the thickness of the lock.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, and particularly to FIG. 5, showing the unlocking or output mechanism of the lock, on the forward side of the mounting plate 14 a few thin platelike elements are provided. These are shown in the unlocked condition which occurs as the dial I is brought to zero or the unlocking position as is above described. These elements comprise a release lever or plate 23 pivoted on a pivot pin 27 carried by and connecting it with the movable mounting plate 14 and having a biasing spring 39 by which it is moved to the unlocking position. The locked position of all elements are shown in clotted outline in FIG. 5.

The release lever 23 carries a sensor tab 29 which extends therefrom rearwardly through a curved slot 30 in the plate 14 to enter into a peripheral notch 31 in the outer annular ring 17 of the coding mechanism. The alignment of this notch with the curved slot 30 is sensitive to small, otherwise undetectable, angular displacements of the code rings and thereby increases the number of significant positions on the input dial 10. At the same time a dial latch 32 on the release lever locks into a notch 34 in the edge of a platelike cam 33 mounted on and rigidly connected with the control or dial shaft 11 so that it, as well as the .eccentric center dials of the coding mechanism, turns with the dial 10 at all times. This locks the plate 14 to the shaft 11.

An outer locking tab 24 on the release lever 23 also has moved out of a locking tab groove 25 in the casing wall while a reset cam 26 also on the release lever 23 on the opposite side of the pivot pin 27, has entered an elongated resent lever groove 28 in the casing wall in which it is free to move.

A trigger element 19 is carried by and pivots on a pivot pin 20 carried by a plate 14, and is biased by a trigger spring 40 to move into the locked position. indicated on dotted outline, to engage and hold the release lever 23 in the locked position with the casing 36 as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. it has been moved or depressed by the trigger pin 18 to the unlocked position and out of engagement with the release lever 23. This allows the release plate spring 39 to cause the release lever 23 to fall into an open position retracting the outer locking tab 24 from the locking groove 25 and locking the dial shaft 11 to the movable plate 14 as described above. A further turning of the dial would cause the entire movable plate 14 and the associated lock operatingpin 42 attached to plate 14 to turn. The lock operating pin 42 travels through slot 43 in the cover plate 37 to unlock a latch or function in any other manner consistent with the application of the lock.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9, the combination change mechanism is shown. Combination change rings 35 are provided which rest on the code rings 12. The pawls are a part of the combination change rings 35 and the pawl stops 16 are a part of the code rings 12. The combination change ring 35 is held in place by the teeth 41 on the inside edge which mate with the teeth on the pawl stop 16. The combination may be changed by simply lifting off the combination change rings 35 and repositioning the pawls 15.

The operation of a lock in accordance with this invention will now be described. The lock pictured in FIGS. l-4 has five code rings 12 and hence has a five number combination. Rotating the dial l0 five turns in a given direction will bring all of the pawls 15 in contact with the pawl stops 16 and the entire assembly will rotate as a unit. When the first number is set the widest portion of the outermost ring will come into the proper alignment, Rotation of the dial 10 four times in the opposite direction will pick up thefirst four rings and the second number can be set. Operation continues in a similar manner until all the rings 12 are set in their proper orientation. Now when the dial is turned back to zero the widest portion of the inner eccentric disc 38 comes into alignment and the trigger pin 18 travels to its most radially extended position thereby rotating the trigger 19 about the trigger pivot pin 20 and releasing the release lever 23. When the release lever falls into position sensor tab 29 will enter the sensor tab notch 31 and the dial catch 32 will enter the cam notch 34. The locking tab 24 will leave the locking groove 25 and thus free the movable plate 14 to rotate. It can be seen'that if the trigger is somehow prematurely activated prior to the proper alignment of all the code rings 12 being achieved, the sensor tab 29 will not enter the sensor tab notch 31 and/or the dial catch 32 will not enter the cam notch 34. In either event the locking tab 24 will not fully retract from its groove 25. Once the tab 29 and catch 32 are set in their notches 31 and 34, rotating the dial 10 will turn the entire plate 14. The output of the lock may then be actuated via a lock actuating pin 42, as pictured, or any other means. To close the lock, the dial 10 is rotated in the opposite direction. The reset arm 26 on the release lever 23 is forced out of its groove 28 lifting the dial catch 32 out of the cam tab 34. The cam 33 then resets the entire unlocking mechanism and further rotation will scramble the code rings 12.

I wish it to be understood that I do not desire to be limited to the exact details of construction shown and described, for obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Iclaim:

l. A combination lock, comprising;

a housing;

a mounting plate within said housing having an aperture therein;

a dial shaft connected to said housing and rotatably positioned within said aperture;

a coding mechanism connected and responsive to said dial shaft, said coding mechanism including an eccentric disc and a plurality of uniplanar, movable eccentric code rings positioned radially about said disc;

a trigger pin connected to said coding mechanism such that said trigger pin moves responsive to the rotation of said dial shaft; and

an unlocking mechanism connected to said mounting plate for unlocking the lock upon being actuated by said trigger PI".

2. A combination lock according to claim 1, wherein:

said mounting plate is further provided with a slot therein;

and

said trigger pin is slidably positioned through said slot, and

constrained therein to limit the motion thereof.

3. A combination lock according to claim 2, wherein:

said slot is positioned radially with respect to said aperture.

4. A combination lock according to claim 3, wherein:

said coding mechanism and said unlocking mechanism are disposed on opposite sides of said mounting plate.

5. A combination lock according to claim 4, further includpawls positioned one each at the outer periphery of said disc and said code rings, except the outermost one of said code rings, said pawls protruding outwardly from the plane of said code rings and overlapping the inner periphery of the next outer one of said code rings; and pawl stops positioned at the inner periphery of said code rings, said pawl stops protruding outwardly from the plane of said code rings, such that said pawl plane maybe engaged by said pawls for the transmission of rotation outwardly from said dial shaft. 6. A combination lock according to claim 5, further includmg:

combination change rings having said pawls attached one each thereto, said combination change rings positioned one each at the outer periphery of said disc and said code stops and fixedly connected to said disc and said code rings with respect to the rotation thereof. 7. A combination lock according to claim 6, wherein: said combination change rings are disengageably connected one each to said disc and said code rings so that the peripheral position of said pawls may be changed in relation to said pawl stops. 8. A combination lock according to claim 6, further includmg:

spacer rings positioned between each of said code rings and between the inner one of said code rings and said disc, and spacer ring tabs one each protruding outwardly from said spacer rings and into said slot in said mounting plate. 9. A combination lock according to claim 8, wherein: said unlocking mechanism includes:

release lever means connected to said mounting plate for locking said mounting plate to said housing when in a first position and for releasing said mounting plate from said housing and clocking said coding mechanism and said mounting plate to said unlocking mechanism when in a second position;

trigger means connected to said mounting plate and responsive to the orientation of said coding mechanism for constraining said release lever means in said first position prior to actuation of said unlocking mechanism; and

biasing means connected to said release lever means for forcing said release means toward said second position upon actuation of said unlocking mechanism and release by said trigger means.

10. A combination lock according to claim 9, further including:

means connected to said coding mechanism for preventing said release lever means from entering said second position prior to achievement of a predetermined arrangement of said code rings, whereby a more perfect arrangement of said code rings will be necessary to release said mounting plate from said housing; than is necessary to actuate said unlocking mechanism.

lll. A combination lock according to claim 10, further including:

a lock operating pin fixedly connected to said mounting plate such that upon rotation of said dial shaft after said locking means enters said second position, said lock operating pin will operate the output of the lock.

12. A combination lock according to claim 11, further including:

cam means connected to said dial shaft for forcing said locking means into said first position upon turning said dial shaft in a predetermined direction, and thus deactuating said unlocking mechanism.

* i I? t 

1. A combination lock, comprising; a housing; a mounting plate within said housing having an aperture therein; a dial shaft connected to said housing and rotatably positioned within said aperture; a coding mechanism connected and responsive to said dial shaft, said coding mechanism including an eccentric disc and a plurality of uniplanar, movable eccentric code rings positioned radially about said disc; a trigger pin connected to said coding mechanism such that said trigger pin moves responsive to the rotation of said dial shaft; and an unlocking mechanism connected to said mounting plate for unlocking the lock upon being actuated by said trigger pin.
 2. A combination lock according to claim 1, wherein: said mounting plate is further provided with a slot therein; and said trigger pin is slidably positioned through said slot, and constrained therein to limit the motion thereof.
 3. A combination lock according to claim 2, wherein: said slot is positioned radially with respect to said aperture.
 4. A combination lock according to claim 3, wherein: said coding mechanism and said unlocking mechanism are disposed on opposite sides of said mounting plate.
 5. A combination lock according to claim 4, further including: pawls positioned one each at the outer periphery of said disc and said code rings, except the outermost one of said code rings, said pawls protruding outwardly from the plane of said code rings and overlapping the inner periphery of the next outer one of said code rings; and pawl stops positioned at the inner periphery of said code rings, said pawl stops protruding outwardly from the plane of said code rings, such that said pawl plane may be engaged by said pawls for the transmission of rotation outwardly from said dial shaft.
 6. A combination lock according to claim 5, further including: combination change rings having said pawls attached one each thereto, said combination change rings positioned one each at the outer periphery of said disc and said code stops and fixedly connected to said disc and said code rings with respect to the rotation thereof.
 7. A combination lock according to claim 6, wherein: said combination change rings are disengageably connected one each to said disc and said code rings so that the peripheral position of said pawls may be changed in relation to said pawl stops.
 8. A combination lock according to claim 6, further including: spacer rings positioned between each of said code rings and between the inner one of said code rings and said disc, and spacer ring tabs one each protruding outwardly from said spacer rings and into said slot in said mounting plate.
 9. A combination lock according to claim 8, wherein: said unlocking mechanism includes: release lever means connected to said mounting plate for locking said mounting plate to said housing when in a first position and for releasing said mounting plate from said housing and clocking said coding mechanism and said mounting plate to said unlocking mechanism when in a second position; trigger means connected to said mounting plate and responsive to the orientation of said coding mechanism for constraining said relEase lever means in said first position prior to actuation of said unlocking mechanism; and biasing means connected to said release lever means for forcing said release means toward said second position upon actuation of said unlocking mechanism and release by said trigger means.
 10. A combination lock according to claim 9, further including: means connected to said coding mechanism for preventing said release lever means from entering said second position prior to achievement of a predetermined arrangement of said code rings, whereby a more perfect arrangement of said code rings will be necessary to release said mounting plate from said housing than is necessary to actuate said unlocking mechanism.
 11. A combination lock according to claim 10, further including: a lock operating pin fixedly connected to said mounting plate such that upon rotation of said dial shaft after said locking means enters said second position, said lock operating pin will operate the output of the lock.
 12. A combination lock according to claim 11, further including: cam means connected to said dial shaft for forcing said locking means into said first position upon turning said dial shaft in a predetermined direction, and thus deactuating said unlocking mechanism. 